Wasabi served at most sushi restaurants is not what you think it is

You've probably never had real wasabi, no matter how much sushi you've eaten.The vast majority of wasabi consumed in America is simply a mix of horseradish, hot mustard, and green dye, according to a new video from theAmerican Chemical Society.In fact, about99% of all wasabi sold in the US is fake, The Washington Postreports.Even in Japan where most wasabi is grown, you won't have much better luck. Experts estimate that about 95% of wasabi sold in the country is an imitation.True wasabi is difficult to grow andextraordinarily expensive, costing$160 akilogram at wholesale prices.If you're eating real wasabi, you're consuming the stem of a plant, grated and pulverized into a spicy paste. It reportedly has a more complextaste, but needs to be eaten immediatelywithin 15 minutes, the freshly grated wasabi begins to lose its signature flavor.Horseradish has a similar chemical makeup to wasabi, allowing it to mimic its spicyzing.The far-cheaper horseradish-based "wasabi"alsohas the added bonus ofwithstanding takeout sushi orders in a way that true, freshly grated wasabi could not.Food fraud is a $50 billion annual industry.In most cases, food scams aren't dangerous to consumers' health.SEE ALSO:Expert reveals 3 expensive restaurant foods that are often fakeJoin the conversation about this storyNOW WATCH: The insanely popular 'sushi burrito' is delicious ' but it has one downside
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